HUNTING – The numbers resemble the parameters for wild turkey hunts -- but it’s the 2012 Idaho Panhandle wolf hunting and trapping proposals that have just been released by Jim Hayden, Idaho Fish and Game Department regional wildlife manager in Coeur d’Alene:

Hunting

• Bag limit, five wolves (up from two last year).
• Season on public land, Aug. 30 – March 31 (same as last year).
• Season on private land, July 1 – March 31.

Trapping

• Bag limit, five wolves (up from three last year).
• Season, Nov. 15 – March 31 (same as last year).
• No trapping in Units 2 and 3 (same as last year).

The proposals will be discussed at public meetings starting this weekend to discuss a range of big game hunting proposals, including proposals for elk.

The new proposals would focus more pressure on wolves that are moving in near people on private lands, Hayden said.

The increase in bag limit will remove restrictions of some of the more successful wolf hunters and trappers.

”While relatively few reach the current bag limit regardless, this change will keep our most successful hunters and trappers afield, Hayden said. 

Read on for the schedule of public meetings in the Panhandle.

Public meetings are being held this week and next:

Morning meetings:

• Saturday, March 3, in Kellogg, 7:30 a.m. at the Steelworkers Hall, 110 Hill St.
• Saturday, March 3, in St. Maries, 8 a.m., at the Elks Lodge, 628 Main St.

(Coffee will be provided free, and breakfast will be available for those who want to purchase it.)

Evening meetings

• Thursday, March 8, in Sandpoint, 7 p.m., at the Bonner County Fairgrounds, Lehman Building.
• Friday, March 9, in Coeur d’Alene, 7 p.m., at the Coeur d’Alene Resort.

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission is slated to make decisions on 2012 big game hunting seasons during their meeting in Boise, March 21-23.